A BRITISH MEAT PURCHASE.

Taihape Daily Times, Volume XI, Issue 3412, 17 February 1920, Page 4

A BRITISH MEAT PURCHASE.

l The cabled advice that the British Government has purchasedithe whole Patagonian meat output for 1920, has caifsed alarm and heart-burning in meat trading circles. It was hoped by the meat trust and other meat traders that the British Government would leave nearly all Europe to the mercy of chiefly American meat men. ‘but world interrelationships ‘have proved that human civilisation, like water, strives for a level, whether that level be high or low. British people are of a temperament, apart [from other considerations, that Will [not permit them to stand. unconcernedly ‘by while starvation and despair are consuming the people of n.eigE—bouring nations, hence. it was necessary that the British Government should make sure of a supply of reasonably priced meat to purchase with the millions just voted for relief of distress. If meat t‘i"a‘deT‘s had followed closely the determinations of the ‘British Cabinet, and the more recent ldiscussions in the British Parliament they should not feel very deeply the surprise they express. It was obvious that the British Government was going to «be a large purchiaser of meat for sometime into the future, and no one ought to be so foolish as to think ‘for one mment that Britain would place itself at the mere)’ of meat traders. During the war Britain, and all Europe, was fleeced ‘by meat trusts because there was no avoiding it; conditions have changed and the [amazing British revenue is such that a considerable portion can be set} aside for purchasing, and paying fori meat. Revenue that was absorbed in‘ In"unitions of war is now available for restoring a debilitated Europe tel health, and there is yet -.1 probability} ‘that Britain can absorb all the’ meat’ New Zealand iii‘a‘y‘pr6cluce during the next two years. It may not be a, renewal of the commander, for commandeers are only justified by such occasions as a great War. but it may be by direct purchase of the whole output, similar to the purchase of the Patagonian output. However,‘ this i latest meat transaction has shed a new light on the troublesome meat problem. and when the price and conditions are‘disc_l_osed the situation may be ‘considerably cleared. "f Mr

Massey was in full possession or

British intentions in connegtion with the Patagonian negotiations and‘ meat purchase. it would account somewhat for his recent att.ltu‘de on the meat» marketing qfiesfion.